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tavn - B | 4 74 


The Fellowship 
of Prayer — 


for 1925 






















Christ The Morld’s Saviou C 


HEN we look out upon the world 
around us and see want and sickness 
and evil, where we know God wou 


have happiness, health and righteousne: 
we realize that the world needs a Saviour. 


When we look within and find too often unrest 
and selfishness and sin, where we know God 
would have peace, friendliness and goodnes 
we know that we need a Saviour. 


Christ is the world’s Saviour and our Saviour. 
Elite 


bring Christ more fully into the busy life of 
the world and into hisown soul. It is intend- 
ed for use by individuals, in family and in 
church groups, where the Scripture lesson will 
be read, the meditation will lead to serious 
thought, and the prayer open the way to com- 
munion with the Holy Spirit of God. =~ 


oF 
Hearty appreciation is extended to many 


writers and publishers for permission to use 
the quotations appearing in this book 


are gathered together in prayer, Christ is 
with them. May our Heavenly F athen mt oh 
us the way of effective, vital prayer! 


Frederick L. Fagle 
. ae , 





COPYRIGHT, 1925 


February 25-28 


Christ The World's Saviour 


(All readings from the Gospel According to Luke) 


ASH WEDNESDAY—The Forty Days. Read Lk. 
4:1-138. Text:4:1,2. And Jesus was in the wilder- 
ness forty days being tempted. 

Meditation—Christ was tempted in the loneliness of 
the wilderness. It is in the secret places of our own 
souls that we meet and must master our temptations. 
The contest with sin wages in our inner life. There 
each one must conquer his own temptations, and in 
the strength that comes from God we can stand firm 
and experience the joys of victory as did our Lord. 

A Prayer for the Lenten Season—Almighty God, 
Father everlasting, who hast set us in the felldwehin 
of Thy Son Jesus Christ, be near to us in this time of 
meditation and communion. May our hearts be 
open to every holy affection, and ready to receive and 
cherish every sacred memory and serious impression. | 
Give us to know the power of that life and death, 
which this season commemorates. Let a portion of 
the spirit which led our Saviour to the Cross, descend 
upon us and fill our hearts with the love of God and 
man. Here and now, may every selfish passion and 
desire be stilled and may the peace of God which 
passeth all understanding keep our thoughts in 
Christ Jesus, ourLord. Amen. 

a Yi 


THUR., Feb. 26—The Universal Saviour. Read 
Lk. 3:1-6. Text: 3:6. And all flesh shall see the 
_ salvation of God. 
Meditation—Salvation through Christ for all men! 
This is the hope of the world. “Every fulfillment of 
a promise of God is the pledge of one to come.” 
The good promises of the Gospel are never revoked. 
They are like springs on the dusty way. The saving 
of one soul through Christ is a ebb of universal 
salvation. Christ's spirit is in the world, man’s wil- 
fulness alone stays the coming of the Kingdom. 
**And the life was the light of men.” And what did he not light 
up? His amazing rays streamed down the darkest ways of men 
and illumined the vast somber chambers of human circumstance. 
He lit up sin and showed its true color. He lit up sorrow and 
transfigured it. Helit up duty and gave it a new face. He lit up 
common work and glorified it. He lit up death and we could see 
through it. But above all, he lit up God, and “The people that 
sat in darkness saw a great light’.”’ 
Prayer—Almighty God, thy love is our hope; thy 
Christ our salvation. . Help thou our faith and teach 
us to pray as one great fellowship of believers. May 


our weaknesses be perfected in thy strength. Amen. 
3 




























Ae 
FRI., Feb. 27—The Fruits of Repentaea 
Lk. 3:7-14. Text: 3:8. Bring forth ie {i 
worthy of repentance. a 
' Meditation—True repentance is not a form « ér oe 
mony. It is a plain and practical command t aK 
one of us. It involves a turning from sin and } 
beginning of a life of love and service to one ‘s) 
men; helping the needy, comforting the sorr 
inspiring the discouraged, bringing others to 
These are some of the fruits of repentance. 
ance like a tree is known by its fruits. na 


‘‘When you say “Lead us not into temptation’, you must 
earnest mean to avoid in your daily conduct those tem 
which you have already suffered foom. When you say D 
us from evil’, you must mean to struggle against that evil in 
hearts, of which you are conscious and for which you pray 
forgiven. To watch and to pray are surely in our power, 
these means we are sure of getting strength.” 


Prayer—God of all strength, look with thy orca v 
passion upon our failures. Bring good out of 
May the darkness of sin and mists of error be dispellec 
by thy indwelling spine Let it be day time i in ou 
lives. Amen. ‘ 

* *k i a / 
taf 

SAT., Feb. 28—Beloved of the Father. Red | 
3:15-22. Text: 3:22. Thou art my beloved som 
thee I am well pleased. 


Meditation—The secret of Christ's life was in h 
sciousness of the presence of God. God was 
Christ. God gave him such evidences of his a 
love and his constant presence that Christ cou 

‘The Father and I are one’ and he made it his life's 
work to reveal the Father to the children of ig ; 


**‘He came as a Son to make me ason. For I had fai r 
slave, and called my bondage freedom. I wore my bi 
servitude with unho y pride. But when he came. ce 
me, my lost inheritance dawned upon my wondering eyes. ‘E 
his was the glorious mission not only to awake but to emancipa 
not only to unveil lost splendor but to recover it. He ¢ 
a we. free ‘and if the Son shall make you free ye nen D 
in F 


Prayer—O Lord our God, open our ears eas 
our minds that we may both hear thee and kn 
voice even amid the noise and confusion of our 
lives. Give us the consciousness of thy abidin 
as we are busy with our common toil and n 
Son, our Saviour, be ever with us. In His 
Amen. 


4 


March 1-7 
The Beginnings of His Ministry 


SUN., Mar. 1—The Lord’s Anointed. Read Lk. 


4:14-30. Text: 4:18. The spirit of the Lord is upon me. 


Meditation—In the words of the text Jesus makes 
known the source of his power. The Spirit of God 
had full possession of his life. Jesus depended upon 
the Holy Spirit to create spiritual health and to give 
him strength. He taught his disciples that this same 
spirit might be theirs. We too may live spirit-filled 
lives, and herein is our hope of fruitfulness. 


The Holy Spirit will minister to me as a wind. He will create an 
atmosphere in my life which will quicken all sweet and beautiful 
growth. Gracious thoughts which have never awakened shall 
now unfold themselves, and the ‘desert shall rejoice and blossom 
asthe rose’. And he will be tome asa fire. He will create a holy 
enthusiasm in my soul, an intense and sacred love, which will burn 
up all evil intruders, but in which all beautiful things shall walk 
unhurt." 

Prayer—O Holy Spirit, come into our lives, nourish 
and mature all noble impulseg, bring forth into life's 
expression the hidden beauties of our souls. Let us 
rejoice in thy strength and be glad in the sense of thy 
companionship. Anoint us with thy Spirit. Amen. 


sy ey ry 


MON., Mar. 2—The Recognition of Goodness. 
Read Lk. 4:31-44. Text: 4:34. I know thee who 
thou art, the Holy One of God. 


Meditation—There is no force in the word more power- 
ful than goodness nor more surely recognized. An 
evil person will instantly recognize a good one. We 

_ do not have to worry about our good being known, it 
makes itself known, it cannot be hid. As the light 
sends its rays far through the darkness, so do kindly 
deeds and godly lives exert a beneficent influence 
far beyond our thought or expectation. The world 
is not to be won by science, theology or wealth, but 
by simple goodness wooing and warming the hearts 

_ of men and drawing all in one great brotherhood to 
God the Father. 


*“May every soul that touches mine 

Be it the slightest contact, get therefrom some good, 
One bit of courage for the darkening sky 

One gleam of faith to brave the ills of life 

To make life worth while, and heaven assured.” 


Prayer—Our Father God, may we freely acknowledge 
_ Jesus Christ as our Saviour and our Lord. Make 
‘known to us the secret and tender ties which bind 
us to the unseen world. Let our lives reflect thy 
glory and our faith open the doors of immortal hope. 
men. | 


5 



























TUE., Mar. 3—The First Disciples. Read Lk 
5: ‘ 11. Text: 5:11. They left all, and hia 


low ree Only those things which work agains 
our own soul's welfare, the sins of the world, doa a 


Christ calls every one to leave his burdens of sin 
come into the larger, freer life of Christian ex 
ience. God has set a lamp to guide the feet o 
disciples, it is the lamp of Faith. We cannot 
where God will lead. The faithful disciple is 
to know ‘one step’ and will not ask to see ‘thes 
tant scene. . 
“And that is faith, to do God's will here and now, quietly les vite 
the results to him. Faith is not concerned with the entire cha in; 
its devoted attention is fixed upon the immediate link. ait 


leaves something to the Lord; it obeys his immediate co 
ment and leaves to him direction and destiny.” 


Prayer—Give us, O God, faith to follow in the way 
Christ has led. Help us to lay aside all that hinder. 
our free Christian living. May we rejoice as 
dren of the morning, with bright faces and joy ‘ul 
hearts. Amen. 


+ x a 


man hath authority on earth to forgive sins. 


Meditation—This sick man and his friends a 
healing of the body, but Jesus looked within and sav 
a greater need. He saw a longing for forgiveness 
greater than for bodily healing. Jesus read the 
heart. It is always hard for us to remember that th 
ills of this world are far more spiritual than mate 
and that if we have spiritual health, material thing: 
will largely care for themselves. This man confessed 
his need. This made possible his salvation. . 
honest confession opens the door to God's forgt / 
grace. " 
“Sin that is unconfessed shuts out the energies of grace. Conf 
sion makes the soul receptive to the bountiful waters of bg 


soul that makes confession to Christ is washed through and 
and the seeds of iniquity are driven out. 


Prayer—Lord Jesus, breathe upon us thy heal 
breath that we may becleansed from sinand sickn 
Reveal thy power in the lives of men. Give us th 
sense of thy companionship that our voices may b 
full of gladness and that we may rejoice on our Vv 


Amen. 


THUR., Mar. 5—The Mission of the Saviour. 
Read Lk. 5:27-89. Text: 5:32. I am not come to 
call the righteous but sinners to repentance. 


Meditation—In this declaration Christ defined his 
mission. He had come, not only to associate with 
the good and to enjoy the fellowship of congenial 
friends, but also to seek those who most needed his 
ministry. It is always hard to spend time with un- 
lovely people; it is taxing to minister to the sick; 
it is dangerous to be with the wicked; but Jesus fol- 
lowed the only true method of service—to go where 
he was needed and to do what would be of greatest 
help. Sin distressed him and evil people pained him, 
but he went to them that he might do them good. 
To follow Jesus here is part of the cost as well as the 
joy of discipleship. 

“What shall I do to gain eternal life?” 
“Discharge aright 
The simple dues with which each day is rife, 
ea, with thy might.” 

Prayer—O God, we would be thy disciples but our own 
ease and comfort are so dear to us and the world’s 
needy and sinful are so unlovely that we hesitate 
to follow Christ in this ministry. Show us our way 
and be thou with us. Amen. 


+ ty + 


FRI., Mar. 6—The Lord of the Sabbath. Read 
Lk. 6:1-11. Text: 6:5. The Son of man is lord of 
the sabbath. 


Meditation—Jesus taught that the Sabbath is for the 
highest g of men. It is lawful for men to satisfy 
hunger, it is lawful to heal the sick and to do good. 
The Sabbath is a day for worship, rest and refresh- 
ment. Jesus freed the day of the petty laws which 
were the delight of the Pharisees. The true disciple 
should do nothing for his own material gain but 
should consider well his spiritual necessities and give 
part of the day to public worship and private medi- 
tation that his soul may be refreshed. 


**Men and women out of the thick of life come to the church on the 
Lord's Day tired and discouraged and get something that sends 
them back to their work with new courage and resolution, for the 
church is the powerhouse of civilization.” 


Prayer—OurFather,we would have the mind of Christ 
_ towards the Sabbath. May our fellowship with thee 
\be very real. Teach us the secret of fruitful wor- 

ship. Let the inspiration and peace of the Sabbath 
Day enter our souls and abide with us through the 
busy days of the week. Amen. . 


7 


i 


SAT., Mar. 7—The Choice of Companions s. Re 
Lk. 6:12-18. Text; 6:13. He called his d cip 


and he chose from them twelve. ° 


















' Meditation—Before Jesus selected the ewel rete 
were to learn of him and to teach his me 
spent the entire night in prayer. We bee i 
fashion to give prayerful attention to our choice 
companions. We are all susceptible to the infl 
of others and should select our associates wit 
care and our confidants with caution. We mus 
some intimates, true friends, well tried, to who 
may go with our thoughts, our fears and our so 
who will hear with sympathy, respect our confid 
and help us with sound and kindly advice. 7 
have friends we must first of all learn to be a frie "nc 


‘‘So others shall P 
Take Patience, labor, to their heart and ‘cae ee 
Frora thy hand, and thy heart, and thy task ck eer, 
And God's grace fructify through thee to all.” te 

iw’, ry’ 


Prayer—Our Saviour, we would be true companions 
of thine, sharing in thy thought for others, thy 
_and thy victory. May we learn constancy, inte: 
and fidelity. Help us to be true friends of e 


who share their lives with us. Amen. pal 


2 gt : 
| 
4 
: 


*HYMN FOR THE WEEK 


Jesus, the very wey oe of thee, 
With sweetness fil s my breast; 

But sweeter far thy face to see, 
And in thy presence rest. 


* 
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, ft 
Nor can the memory find ‘ 
A sweeter sound than thy blest name, 
viour of Mankind. 


O hope of every contrite heart, 
oy of all the meek, 
To those who fall, how kind thou art! 
How good to those who seek! 


Jesus, our only joy be thou, 
thou our prize wilt be; 
sy vies be thou our glory now, shih, 
d through eternity. _ ze 


*No. 13 in “Devotional Hymns,” see page at, 
; 3 ‘ i hy 
r* | a 


March 8-14 
The Saviour Teaching and Healing 


SUN., Mar. 8—The Great Sermon. Read Lk. 
6:20-38. Text: 6:31. And as ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 


Meditation—When we fear what others may do 
against us we should remember that what comes to 
us is ofttimes but the return of acts and words we 
started long ago. One of the beautiful things of 
life is that kind words and deeds travel from one 
person to another until finally many return with rich 
increase. One of the sobering facts is that evil deeds 
frequently pass on from life to life until they too re- 
turntothe source. Let us strive to pass on the good 
that comes to us in life but not the evil. 


“Evil for good is devil-like; Evil for evil is beast-like; Good for good 
is man-like; Good for evil is God-like. Yes that lifts me into 
‘the heavenly places in Christ Jesus’. Then I have the ‘mind of 
Christ’. Then do I unto others as my Saviour has done to me. 


Prayer—O God our Father, teach us how to ease the 
burden of evil in the world. May we do good to all 
men. Should any do us ill, may it not change our 
natures but may we change evil into good that our 
lives may be as springs of living water in dry and 
weary places. Amen. 


a + » 


MON., Mar. 9—The Spring of Life. Read Lk. 
6:39-49. Text: 6:45. For out of the abundance of 
the heart his mouth speaketh. 


Meditation—In the mind of Christ life is very much 
like a stream flowing from a hidden spring. The 
spring is the soul. The stream consists in the words 
and deeds of daily living. That which determines 
the quality of life is the nature of the soul. This 
is God given and God renewed whenever the human 
heart is open to divine influences.. Every man must 

_ take care that the springs of his life are pure and that 
no selfish interests divert or defile the streams of in- 
fluence that flow into the life of the world. 


“It is only the true disciple, whose inmost being has been touched 
py the Spirit that can hope for success in this high kind of life. 

e human heart can maintain unfailing goodwill only when it 
is in vital connection with the great central Heart which pulses 
out goodwill eternally.” 


Prayer—Eternal Father, create within us clean hearts. 

Search out the dark places and illumine them with 
thy gracious Spirit. May the life of Christ draw us 
with its alluring power that we may know the healing 
of his presence. Amen. 


pa 
Oe: 


















TUE., Mar. 10—The Reward of Faith. -Read 
Lk. 7:1-10. Text: 7:9. I have not found so > gre 
faith, no, notin Israel. 

\Meditation—Jesus marveled at this man’s faith i 
was so sure, so complete, so availing. ‘First of al 
the centurion was confident that Jesus could cure 
because of what he had heard concerning the Lord 
This is the very essence of faith, namely belie 
founded on evidence. Faith is not credulity or far 
or caprice; it is a purely rational exercise of the mind; 
it is reasoning from the report of credible witnes: eS. 
Unbelief in the face of evidence is stupidity or sin n. 
Most explicitly of all he expressed trust in Christ 2 
the dependence upon his power which characteri re: 
true faith.’ 


Through the ages countless men and women hil e 
tested the Lord and have found his promises sure, 
they have cried unto him and he has heard them 
Let us lift up our hearts unto him who is able and 
willing to give us what our souls need and confirn 
our faith in Him. . 
Prayer—O God, help thou our faith. May it grow ¢ 
a tree planted by the rivers of water. May men 
in our lives evidences of living healing faith, so learn 
ing to rejoice in Christ our Saviour. Amen, 
a + ae 


WED., Mar. 11—God Among Men. Read k. 
7:11-17. Text: 7:16. God hath visited his people. 


Meditation—God has given us much both within ou 
own inner lives and in the world about us to remir 
us of himself. There are deep in all men “intima 
tions of immortality’ and a reaching out for kinship 
with the Great Spirit that rules the Universe. We 
know he is by the testimony of our own souls. — Ir 
the world about us how often are we reminded o! 
him. Earth with its thousand voices praises (€ od 4 
the height of mountains calls the soul to reach u : 
ward; the broad sweep of the sea invites the soul t 
widen its horizon and to these voices of nature ¢ ur 
spirit responds. Jesus came revealing the God o 
our own souls and of the universe as a Father, in 
nite in love and mercy. God was in Christ renewin ng 
and comforting the souls of men. In Christ, od 
visited his people in a new way that we might ave 
a saving knowledge of our Father in heaven. 


Prayer—Eternal God, we are ever thankful that th cf 
did’st reveal thyself in Jesus Christ. We th or a. 
ways think of thee and love thee as the F. 
Eternal. Let us walk with sure and kindly fello 
ship with thee and all thy children. Amen. 


10 : ae ‘ 


THUR., Mar. 12—The Foundations of Faith. Read 
Lk. 7:18-23. Text: 7:22. Go and tell John the things 
which ye have seen and heard. 


‘Meditation—Christ did not impose an undue test on 
his disciples when he asked them to believe on him. 
His miracles appealed to their eyes; his truth to their 
minds; his personality to their hearts, how could they 
do otherwise than believe in him and how can any 
one resist him? If we put our faith to work we 
shall come to know him as our personal Lord and 


Saviour. 
To every man there openeth 
A Way, and Ways and a Way. 
And the High Soul climbs the High Way 
And the Low Soul gropes the Low; ~ 
And in between, on the mighty flats, 
The rest drift to and fro. 


But to every man there openeth 
A High Way and a Low, 

And every man decideth 

The Way his soul shall go. 


Prayer—O Lord our God, give us a desire for knowledge 
of thee that we may draw all mentothee. We pray 
that thou wouldst knit our lives into thine with holier 
and stronger bonds. Deliver us O Lord from what- 
ever would separate us from thee. Amen. 

* * ca 


FRI., Mar. 13—John the Baptist. Read Lk. 7:24- 
35. Text: 7:28. Among them that are born of women 
_ there is none greater than John. 


Meditation—John the Baptist had two great charac- 
teristics which fitted him to be the forerunner of 
Christ. He was as a “rock which no man could 

- move” and “‘he endured all hardships and was obliv- 
ious to all human delights. Courage and consecra- 
tion—these constitute prime factors in moral great- 
ness. Every true Christian is called to be a fore- 

_ runner of Christ; to make straight and plain Christ's 
way into the hearts of others; to stand for him with- 
out fear and with all devotion. “No greater dignity 

has ever been conferred upon a human soul; no 
higher privilege can now be enjoyed than that of 
turning the thoughts and hearts of men to Jesus 
Christ, the Saviour of the world.’ Knowing as we 

_ do the need of the world for Christ and his power 
to save men, how great is our responsibility to “pre- 
pare the way of the Lord!” 

Prayer—Most gracious Father, make us obedient to 
“thy will. Refresh us with vision and courage. When 

__ we labor in the valleys may the heights allure us and 

__ when the way is hard may thy presence be ever with 

us. InChrist’sname. Amen. 

Ata i 11 


ee 



















SAT., Mar. 14—Saving Faith. Read Lk. 7:36-50 
Text: 7:50. Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace 
Meditation—Go in peace! How our souls long fe 
quiet times and our feet for smooth places. ut 
if life teaches one lesson before all others, it i 
that the price must first be paid—a price of toil, o} 
searching and of discipline. In faith we must work 
out our own salvation, then the peace of God will 
enter our hearts. he 


eS 


‘‘Some times it comes by the door of memory and some times by 
the door of hope. Sometimes it is borne to us by the ministry 
human speech and kindness. But always it brings us the sense 
a Presence, as though we had a great friend in the room, and t 
troubled heart gains quietness and peace. The mist clears a little. 
and we have a restful assurance of our qe 


Prayer—Our Father, we pray that the assurance of thy 
promises may be with us and that thy beneficent 
presence may be around us. Make thyself .known 
as the Father of the fatherless and the strong com- 
panion of all who are lonely. Give comfort to those 
who mourn and under the shadow of thy wings maj 
we find rest. Let thy peace abide in our hearts fo 
evermore. Amen. oe 


s . Y " 


*Hymn for the Week 


© Love that wilt not let me go, 
I rest my weary soul in thee; 
I give thee back the life I owe, 
That in thine ocean depths its flow 
May richer, fuller be. 


O Joy that seekest me through pain, 
I cannot close my heart to thee; 

I trace the rainbow through the rain, 

And feel the promise is not vain © 
That morn shall tearless be. 


O Cross that liftest up my head, 
I dare not ask to fly from thee; 
I lay in dust life’s glory dead, 
And from the ground there blossoms red 
Life that shall endless be. 


*No. 20 in “Devotional Hymns"’, see page 31. 


12 iM 


March 15-21 
The Saviour and His Disciples 


SUN., Mar. 15—Sowing Good Seed. Read Lk. 
8:4-15. Text: 8:11. The seed is the word of God. 


Meditation— The Word of God has been as good seed 
in the lives of millions as they have made their way 
through life. Its message of hope and truth is for 
all men but the Word cannot accomplish its purpose 
unaided. It must have the cooperation of man’s 
good will and his right disposition. The hard heart 
cannot nourish the Word nor can the heart that is al- 
ready full of “cares, riches and pleasures” give it 
place. But in the “good ground” of an honest and 
good heart the Word finds fruitful soil and brings 
forth a hundredfold both in this life and in the life 
tocome. 


“Doing” makes a new word of ‘hearing’. The Statute obeyed 
becomes a song. The commandment becomes a beatitude. he 
hidden pangs of God are not discovered until we are treading 
the path of obedience. God has wonderful treasures for the 
dutiful. The faithful discover the ‘hidden manna’.” 
Prayer—O God, we open our hearts to thy promises. 
May thy Word find good ground within our lives 
and there bring forth rich harvest. Help us to make 
manifest the fruits of thy Spirit. In Christ's name. 
Amen. 
+ ] a 


MON., Mar. 16—Kinship with the Saviour. Read 
Lk. 8:16-21. Text: 8:21. My mother and my breth- 
ren are these that hear the word of God, and do it. 


Meditation—The nearness of our relationship to Christ 
is measured by our willingness with all consecration 
to submit to him as our Lord and Saviour. If we 
do this we are admitted to spiritual fellowship 
with him, a relationship closer than that of blood 

and more intimate. A fellowship eternal and blessed 
forever. 

“It is only in the spirit that real union is born. We can dovetail 

Many pieces of wood together and make the unity of an article of 

furniture, but we cannot dovetail items together and make a tree. 

And it is the union of a tree that we require, the union born of an 

indwelling life. Many members of the same family may bear 

ne same name, may sit at the same table and yet have no more 
vital union than a handful of marbles. But let the spirit of com- 
mon love dwell in all hearts and there is a family bound together in 
glorious union. The Spirit of God dwelling in all our spirits attunes 
them into glorious harmony.” 

Re ovine Father, wilt thou deepen the spiritual 

- fellowship among men. Help those who grope for 

the light of thy fellowship. May there be true union 

_ of hearts. In the joy of a common Redeemer may 

_ weallbecome one. Amen. 


7 i3 
























TUE., Mar. 17—The Great Fundamental. | 
Lk. 8:22-25. Text: 8:25. And he said unto 
Where is your faith? 


Meditation—Jesus did not so much consider the little 
things of character as he did those essential to ful 
spiritual manhood. Steadfast faith was one essential 


‘The highest security against temptation lies in the steady develop- 
ment of an affirmative life. The final aim in life is to be someth 
rather than to avoid or to escape something. . . . . T 
best form of defence lies in spiritual attack. If we walk in th 
grip of some splendid, far-reaching purpose, we shall put down 
temptation under our feet. We are in the conqueror’s path if we 
walk in the Spirit; we shall then walk secure from attack.” a) 
n, 
position, health? Let us guard against absorption in these thi zs. 
“Have faith in God.” Put first things first. 


In what is your faith? Is it in material things, machinery, wealth 


Prayer—Eternal God, we pray thee to make our lives 
centers of living faith. Let there be an outflow from 
our hearts that will cause men to turn their thought: 
to thee. May we put our faith in things everlasting. 
Amen. ; 


re a + 


WED., Mar. 18—The Mission of Disciples. Read 
Lk. 9:1-9. Text: 9:2. And he sent them forth tc 
preach the kingdom of God. 4 

Meditation—Sent forth to preach the kingdoei 
God, this is the commission of every believer. TI 
ways of preaching are as manifold as the needs ¢ 
men—by work, by kindly deed, by example, by lead- 
ership in the world’s work. No man is compel 
but all are invited to this ministry. ‘ 


‘‘A man must show himself a true man by choosing the great adven 
ture. The drifter, the morally lax, the man whose spirit 

down into flesh does not get on well in the midst of the myster: 
facts of life. A man must gird himself tightly and move out boldl: 
after Christ. He must take up life resolutely and put it decisivel) 
into Christ's enterprise, to be and to do all that an unfolding 
of duty may reveal.” 7 


Prayer—Our Father God, may thy kingdom be power 
fully preached by thy believing children. Let 
minds of men be open to thy gospel, their attent 
arrested and their minds subdued. Teach us fa 
fulness in the work of thy kingdom at home ; 
abroad. Amen. : ! 


14 


THUR., Mar. 19—The Reward of Faithfulness. 
Read Lk. 9:18-27. Text: 9:24. But whosoever shall 
lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 


7 

Meditation—There are some values that cannot be 
had by striving for them directly, they come only as 
indirect results. No man can say, behold now I 
shall live a great life and experience life's greatest 
blessings. But if aman does good today and to- 
morrow as opportunity offers, he comes to the end 
of each day with the consciousness that he has truly 
lived. Christ was continually anxious that men 
should have true goals and worthy motives. Where 
this is true real life follows asa natural and direct 

result. 

4 

“Self-denial, sacrifice and obedience result in the only experience 

worthy of the name ‘life’. 


_Prayer—Gracious God, teach us to see the duty that 
_ lies nearest at hand. May we find ways of working 
_ with our fellows to do the work of the world, that 
we lose not the sense of thy divine companionship. 
Let us live in heavenly places with Christ Jesus our 
Lord. Amen. 


+ + + 


“ 
or 


See Aear!'20—God's' Chosen One. Read Lk. 
_ 9:28-36. Text: 9:35. This is my Son, my chosen: 
» hear ye him. 


Meditation— Jesus Christ embodied in his life and 
_ teachings the supreme purpose of God for men. The 
f law and the prophets found fulfillment in him. 
_ Henceforth men need not search in vain to know 
_ what is right, they are to “Look to Jesus” and to 
it shape their lives by him. 


' 











or. recognize in Jesus of Nazareth the Son of God, the Saviour of 
mankind, is to receive a pledge of the absolute and unutterable help 
of God in bearing all burdens, in meeting all temptations, in solving 
all human problems. To ‘know Christ’ is to come into living rela- 

tionship with help inexhaustible. The moral vigor, the confident 

assurance, the unquenchable hope are begotten by this firm faith. 
; Look up, then with eager expectant faith to Jesus Christ, Son of 
-man and Son of God. The hat acai Man on earth, the 
E ee Prototype of the Being of 


rayer—Our Father God, we would hear thy voice 
_and know thy meaning. Let us share in thy love. 
May we ever be thankful for thy Son our Lord and 
in all our ways follow his life and his truth. Amen. 


15 


4 “a 

SAT., Mar. 21—Finding God in Christ. Read Lk 4 
9:46-50. Text: 9:48. Whoever shall reve me 
ceiveth him that sent me. 
























Meditation—Jesus associated himself witha adil 1 
an entirely unique manner. He said he was the 
to the Father's heart, ‘no man cometh to the bee 
but by Me.’ He could speak as from God, "'C 
unto me. . . and I will give you rest. ‘ag 
the source of life, ‘*I am the way, the truth and 
life’ and of the life eternal, “I am the resurrect 
and the life. ’’ He was the source of regeneratior 
humanity, “I am the true Vine™’ and thrones 
we are to come to God, “I am the door; by me 
any man enter in, he shall be saved.” He was t 
revelation of the F ather, “He that hath seen me h 
seen the Father’’ and he was eternally joined w 
the Father in the world’s redemption, “If a man k 
me, he will keep my words; and my Father will I 
him and we will come unto him, and make our abx 
bid him.” We come near to God when we appro: 

rist. 


Prayer—Our Saviour, may our fellowship with thee be 
very real. Let us know thy way of life that we : 
follow thee to God. Help us to discover hid 
riches of companionship and teach us new du 
that through obedience we may come to know | thee 
better. Amen. vt 


fee one 4 eee 


*Hymn for the Week | 


How firm a foundation, ye saints of the tea 

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! Ds Pie 
What more can he say than to you he hath said, fa 7 j 
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled. _ oe wt a 


Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dignal ia “* 
For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; 


I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause a a 
thee to stand, “jit 


Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent pert wn 


AS 


‘ 


When through the deep waters I call thee to go, 
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; — 
For I will be near thee thy troubles to bless, — 
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. __ 


*No. 3 in “Devotional Hymns”, see page 31. 
16 ir | 


March 22-28 
The Disciple’s Daily Life 


SUN., Mar. 22. Neighborliness. Read Lk. 10: 
_ 25-37. Text: 10:36. Which of these three, thinkest 
‘thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the 
_ robbers? 

Meditation—Neighborliness is a prime quality of 
religion. In the mind of Jesus no one might call him- 
self truly religious who did not have an attitude 

towards his neighbors such as he desired them to 
have towards him. “Good neighbors look out for 
each other's interests.” But as Jesus showed in 
this parable, neighborliness is not to be limited to 
race or personal acquaintance but by the needs of 
others. Today with our wireless and quick modes 

__ of travel all the world is at our door. How shall we 
_ prove neighbors to those of alien race and in distant 
lands? This is the crucial problem of Christian 

nations today. Our Christianity is tested by the 

_ quality of our neighborliness. 


Prayer—O God our Father, we pray that thou wouldst 

_ bind us to our brothers in deeper and more spiritual 

kinship. Teach us how to live to promote true 

- neighborliness among men. Let us remember that 

we belong to a great family and may we so live that 

the life of all men may be enriched and that the 

_ brotherhood of nations and of men shall become 
real. Amen. x ty ai 


MON., Mar. 23. Poise. Read Lk. 10:38-42. Text: 
10:41. Thouartanxious and troubled about many things. 


Meditation—Life ever tends to become complex. We 

_ undertake to do too many things and are too hurried 
in our preparation. _Jesus commended Mary for 

_ sitting at his feet and learning the lessons of life and 

_ at the same time cautioned Martha about her anxie- 

_ ties. That we might take time to think and to plan 

our lives with care! Then we should not so fre- 
quently lack poise and self-control. 


“Thine own self will and anxiety, thy hurry and thy labor, disturb 
thy peace and prevent Me from working in thy. life. Look at the 

* por: they quietly open their petals and the sun shines into them 
with gentle influences. So will I do for thee, if thou wilt yield 
thyself to me.” 


Prayer—O Lord, Thou art as the shadow of a great 
_ rock in a weary land. Support us all the day long, 
__and as the shadows lengthen and the feverish work of 
__ the day is done, grant us time to think of thee and of 
__ thy mercy and love. Help us to choose the best part 

? id to yield our lives to thy life-giving power. Amen. 


; i \eiitanene 17 


A 


















TUE., Mar. 24—Prayer. Read Lk. 11:1-13. Test 
11:1. One of his disciples said unto him, Lord, tea t 
us to pray. | 

Meditation—The disciples were daily witnessing 
Christ's use of prayer as they saw him heal and 
heard him preach. They knew the source of his 
power was in his union with God which was con- 
tinually made real through prayer. They desired 
this power and yearned in their hearts to know the 
Father as Jesus knew him, They asked Jesus tc 
teach them the way to the Father in prayer and he 
gave them the simple words that have become 
humble petitions of millions of hearts. In this 
prayer there is but one request for material thing: 

‘For our daily bread,’ all other requests are for 
spiritual blessings and the welfare of all men. 
these the heart truly yearns and for these we shoul 
learn to pray to the Father, who longs to give us 
all good things. We pray to “Our Father” of 
infinite mercy and of tender love. 


Prayer. O God, our Father, who hast such riches 
for the children of men, prepare our hearts for thy 
blessings. Win our minds away from material 
things. May we not be easily daunted nor turned 
aside but may we move towards thee and there 
abide. Amen. 

+ a a . 


of 

WED., Mar. 25—Assurance. Read Lk. 12:1-12. 
Text: 12:11-12. Be not anxious . . . for the Holy 
Spirit shall teach you . . . what ye ought to say. 4 


Meditation—Jesus_ knew well the. manifestation of 
God in the Holy Spirit. The “Comforter” was with 
him and spoke to his inner life in no uncertain way. 
We may not understand all the mysteries of Divinity 
but the Bible teaches with authority, and the experi- 
ence of men has satisfied their hearts that God mani- 
fests himself through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. 
May we have the assurance of the constant presence 
of the Spirit of God in our lives! 

“When we know the Father as revealed in Christ, follow the Somh in 
the shaping of our conduct, there comes to us the sense of a Persona) 
Presence dwelling within our hearts, taking the things of Christ. 
his words, his deeds, cage life, his death and resurrection and showing 
them tous. Their richer meaning is spiritually revealed and th 
we are guided into a fuller Hoey Se of the truth.” 
Prayer—Holy Spirit of God, we pray that thou wilt 

quicken our lives into more vigorous spiritual growth 
Let our communion with thee be more and more 
intimate. May our spiritual aspiration become ¢ 

a great hunger that shall draw us into the va 
presence of God. Amen. 


18 a 


) THUR., Mar. 26—Faith. Read Lk. 12:22-34. Text: 
8 12:22. Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; 
nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. 

; 

‘Meditation—Faith is the cure for anxiety. We 
should remember that this is God's world and the pre- 
_ vailing current is towards righteousness. If we 
first of all set the current of our life in the direction 
__ of the main stream of the kingdom we shall move 
forward in spite of back currents and the little eddies 
_ and whirls of life. The cure of anxiety is to set the 
_ mind resolutely on the far goal, on the ultimate end 
_ of life’s endeavors and not lose faith nor slacken 
Ly efforts in achieving that end. 


“As the marsh hen secretly builds on the watery sod 
Behold, I will build me a nest on the greatness of God. 
| will fly in the greatness of God as the marsh hen flies, 
‘In the freedom that fills all the space ‘twixt the marsh and the skies. 
Yy so many roots as the marsh grass sends in the sod 
will heartily lay me a-hold on the greatness of God.” 


Prayer—Our gracious Lord, let each new day disclose 
some new trust in thee. Thou art our life. We 
_ would that our lives should be in sweet accord with 

_ thine. Change our fear into boldness and our inde- 
_ cision into strength, through Christ. Amen. 

i 

Mahe «. * So ~ 

_FRI., Mar. 27—Watchfulness. Read Lk. 12:35-48. 

Text: 12:36. Be ye yourselves like unto men looking 


for their lord. 


g 
_Meditation—In this story Jesus pictures to his disci- 
| ples a man’s joy when he finds a welcome on his 
return home. This sort of a reception Jesus craves 
_in our hearts. God's spirit is ever waiting to enter 
human life but the Spirit does not enter where there 
_ is no hearty welcome. 











bly ready for gd heii eatloap of his Son. If we are ready 
_ for God it makes no difference whether we are rich or poor. 


Prayer—Our Father, may we be this day as watchers 

on the wall, alert to guard our lives against the 

approach of evil. Anxious to welcome all g 

_ influences. Let us watch not only our own lives 
but be ever ready to guard the best interests of all 
_ thy children. Through Christ. Amen. 


19 














SAT., Mar. 28—Repentance. Read Lk. 13:1-9, 
Text: 13:5. J tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye 
shall all likewise perish. 


Meditation—The question continually comes to our 
minds, Why are not evil doers punished? Why do 
they prosper when there is no sign of repentance? 
God's ways for others we need not know. We are to” 


will tat ripen. faked een is a matter of deal 
and will. If we desire the good with all our hearts 
and put forth our will to turn resolutely from all 
selfishness and sin and hold fast to the faith we shall 
have the assurance of forgiven sin. God is waiting 


to help every man who truly repents. 


“God is wide-awake. Nothing is hid from his sight. There is no 
unrecognized factor that can take Him by surprise. He is wide- 
awake on the far off furrow. He is wide-awake on the field of com- 
mon labor where some young disciple finds it hard to keep clean 
hands while he earns his daily-bread.’ 


Prayer—Our heavenly Father, kee i us ever in mind 
of thy laws. May they be as a shield against tempta- 
tions. Then shall we seek true repentance and labor 
earnestly that all thy wandering children may i 
the way back to thy heart of love. Amen. 


* * + + 

3 

*Hymn for the Week | va 

O Master, let me walk with thee i ’ 
In lowly paths of service free, , 


Tell me thy secret, help me bear 
The strain of toil, the fret of care. 


Help me the slow of heart to move ie 7 
By some clear, winning word of love, ry 
Teach me the wayward feet to stay, ‘i 
And guide them in the homeward way. “ 
2 / ’ 
Teach me thy patience; still with thee | 
In closer, dearer company, . 
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, any 
In trust that triumphs over wrong. =) 
In hope that sends a shining ray } ‘| 
Far down the future's broadening way, | ae | 
In peace that only thou canst give,— ‘ : 
With thee, O Master, let me live. am | 
peda aha ol eitan 1A By! | 
*No. 22 in “Devotional Hymns”, see page 31. ial "| 


20 


4H March 29-April 4 
i The Saviour of All Mankind 


SUN .. Mar. 29—The Saviour’s Broad Sympathies. 
Read Lk. 14:12-24. Text: 14:13. For every one 
that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that 
_ humbleth himself shall be exalted. 


eitetios-<-jesus’ sympathies were always with those 
whose needs were vital. This was the guiding prin- 
ciple of his ministry. He taught his followers that 
they were to give themselves in like service and that 
_theneedof another should be the measure of their giv- 
ing; that to give service where no personal gain might 
come was ‘to eat bread in the Kingdom of God.’ 


“Love may always be known by its expenditures, its self-crucifix- 
ions. Love is always laying down its life for others. And this is 
the life, the love-life, which the Lord Jesus came to create among 
- the children of men. It is his gracious purpose to form a spiritual 
fellowship in which every member will be lovingly concerned about 
his fellow’s good. At the fountain of eternal love we too may 
me lovers, becoming ‘partakers of the divine nature’ and 
illed with all ‘the fullness of God’. 


Prayer—O Lord, make our hearts ever stronger in 
» friendliness so that our constant prayer shall be for 

yt the resources of love and sympathy with which to 
meet the needs of others. Amen. 




































© + i 


MON., Mar. 30—Turning to God. Read Lk. 15:1- 
10. Text: 15:10. There is joy in the presence of the 
Es angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 


love for himself and a disposition to Bag ei 
_ The “homing instinct” to be in communion with God 
_ may lie dormant through lack of instruction or be 
_ perverted through wilfulness. When life is not mov- 
_ ing forward towards God it is losing itself. When 
_ the soul is not growing in grace and knowledge of 
_ God it is becoming lost. “All we like sheep’’ wander 
"4 and become entangled with material things and 
“there is no health in us.” But all the while the 
r spirit of God is wooing our souls and we are being 
drawn to him. If we yield to God's spirit we are 
being “found.” When we sin we forthwith repent 
and willingly commit that sin no more. 


Prayer—O God our Father, ofttimes the way is dark 
and we are far from home. May the illumination of 
thy spirit be round about us. Let the vision of thy 
glory shine before us that we may find the way to 
thee. Let our lives move on with ever keener 
» i 
onsciousness of thee and thy love. Amen. 


WA qv 
By ; 
21 





i 


TUE., Mar. 31. The Good Father. Read fe 
15:11-32. Text: 15:22, 24. But the father said to his 
servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it 
on him . . . for this my son was dead, and is alive 
again; he was lost and is found. | 


| Meditation—The father yearned with a great longing 
for his wandering son. He knew, however, that it 
was useless to compel him to return. He must wait 
patiently until his son realized for himself his need 
of his father’s forgiveness and affection. The father’ s 
abiding love is shown by this, that he restrained him- 
self and endured the pain of his son's absence and sin. 
He did not resort to authority. But when the son re- 
turned, how the Father's heart rejoiced! He only 
waited for evidence of his son's love and repentance, 
**The beauty of the story is that his father met him far out on the 
homeward road, kissed him, kissed him again, clothed him, loved 
back into health and worthy occupation. ts 
Prayer—Gracious Father, we pray for all those who 
are away from thee. Bless those in far away lands 
who seek to reveal thy Father's heart to thy children 
of many races. Help us to surrender our wills to 
thine. May our lives be cleansed from all defile- 
ment. Purify our Hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 
a * i i 

WED., Apr. 1. True Riches. Read Lk. 16:1-13. 
Text: 16:13. No servant can serve two masters .. . 


Ye cannot serve God and mammon. ie 


Meditation—lIn the mind of Jesus there was 5 ties one 
evil thing about money and that was its power to 
stimulate selfish interests. Selfishness is never 
satisfied. Money may be and should be a mighty 
factor in friendliness. One of the great lessons of 
life is to learn how to use wealth and power un- 
selfishly. We can well believe that God will not 
trust eternal things to a man who in this life has not 
learned to use for others whatever he may have of 
wealth and power. The remedy which will prevent 
money being a power of evil is “to begin to use it, 
as soon as one has even a little of it, in friendly ways.” 

**All the good and all the evil which exalt or defile aman have theit 

seat within him, in hisown character. The soul's wealth is the only 

real wealth. Christ's only injunction in the sphere of econnani 
was ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness’. 

Prayer—Our Father, teach us ways to use the wealth 
of the world. May it be the servant of thy will 
Give us true wealth of soul. May the need of the 
world inspire us to industry and thrift that we ma} 
i able to help where help is needed. In His Name 

men. jt 









22 4 












‘THUR., Apr. 2—The Stubborn Heart. Read Lk. 
16:14-31. Text: 16:31. Jf they hear not Moses and 
the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise 

_ from the dead. 


Meditation—We are all the while trying to escape 
the necessity of making vital decisions affecting our 
own lives. We want the right to be so plain that 
we may see it without search and follow without 
effort. Life is not thus. We must lay firm hold 
on our own natures, bring our wills into action, set 
our minds at work, then the powers of God are avail- 
able for our instruction and our help. 
“It is the old story. We are wanting God to appear in imperial 
glory; and he comes among us as a humble carpenter. We want 
great miracles and we have the daily Providence. It is a great 
day when we discover our God in the common bush. When we 
enjoy a closer walk with God, common things will wear the hues 
& heaven. 
-Prayer—O God turn our eyes, we pray thee, towards 
_ thy light and our minds towards thy truth. Remove 
all stubbornness from our hearts. May thy teach- 
ings shine in our lives like stars in the night. Let 


_ our strength be renewed in thee. Amen. 
) + + oy 


_FRI., Apr. 3—The Willing Heart. Read Lk. 18: 
18-30. Text: 18:29, 30. There is no man that hath 
left house . . . for the kingdom of God's sake, who 
shall not receive manifold more in this time. 
-Meditation—tThe rich young man had a willingness 
_ of heart, sufficient for him to desire to know the Mas- 
-ter’s teachings. But Jesus saw that there was still 
_ selfishness in his nature and that he trusted in the 
_ power of riches, making it impossible for him to be a 
true friend of man and a faithful disciple. He had 
' not the ability to master his money—his money mas- 

teredhim. There are many rich men and women who 
bless the world continually by their wealth because 
_ they have learned how to use it for others. The world 
needs love and sympathy more than it needs material 
things and this greatest gift we all can give if we 
possess the willing heart. Let each one ask, What is it 
hat stands in my way to largest usefulness? 
re “Not thy gifts, I seek, O Lord; 

Not thy gifts, but thee. 

What were all thy boundless store 
~ Without thyself, what less or more. 

Not thy gifts, but thee.” 


Prayer—O our Father, sanctify the secret places of our 
hearts that we may follow thee in ministry to others. 

Aake us rich with heavenly treasure. Deliver us 
rom selfishness. Help us to do good to all thy needy 
children. For Christ's sake. Amen. 


















r 






SAT., Apr. 4.—Salvation Through Christ. Rea 
Lk. 19:1-10. Text: 19:10. For the Son of man came 
to seek and to save that which was lost. d 


Meditation—How did Jesus save men? His method 
is illustrated again and again in the record of his life. 
He went to a man who was “‘lost.”’ He invited the 
man to a new way of living; and offered himself as a 
leader. Jesus made no demand but for true re- 
'pentance, and an acceptance of himself as Lord and 
Master. 

**The one thing that has value was the straightforward acceptance 
of that gift of new life which Christ offered and ever offers to those 
who will take it in their hands. And it is this gift of new life freely 
offered and freely received which brings renewed character and 
filial relation in the family of the Father.” 


“‘It is not so much the teachings of Jesus that accounts for his in- 
fluence in the world. It is JESUS HIMSELF, a 


Prayer—O Christ, our Saviour, we would that we 
might have thy forgiveness. We repent of our sins, 
blot them out and let them have dominion over us 
no more. May we rejoice in thy love as flowers in 
the sun. Let the music of the celestial choir be ever 


in our ears that our hearts may be lifted up. Amen, 


+ “ + \ 


f 


*Hymn for the Week 


Beneath the cross of Jesus 
I fain would take my stand,— 
The shadow of a mighty rock 
Within a weary land, 
A home within the wilderness, 
A rest upon the way, 
From the burning of the noontide heat, 
And the burden of the day. 


Upon that cross of Jesus 
Mine eye at times can see 
The very dying form of One 
Who suffered there for me; 
And from my smitten heart with tears 
Two wonders | confess,— 
The wonders of his glorious love 
And my unworthiness. 


*No. 36 in “‘Devotional Hymns”, see page 31. 
24 







































April 5-12 
The Passion of the Saviour 


; PALM SUNDA Y—The King of All Life. Read 
Lk. 19:29-44. Text: 19:38. Blessed is the King 
that cometh in the name of the Lord. 
editation— ‘In him was life... The Christian con- 
ception of life is that it is not measured by length of 
_ days but by wealth of affection. The missionary who 
_ goes into a far country and labors with all strength 
bis may not live a year but may bring the “good news’ 
in such rich measure to others that he has really 
. lived a great life. 


May the Lord of life have free accesstoallourlives. “The days go 
’ prosperously by but are the foundations of everlasting peace being 
laid? The Spirit of Jesus Christ stands over against you waiting 
to be recognized as the Lord of your life. Do you recognize your 
days of visitation?” 


Prayer—Our Saviour may thy Kingdom come and thy 
spirit find entrance into our lives this day. Help us 
to remove all obstruction from our hearts and let all 
crooked places be made straight, that the highway 
_ of our Lord may be plain. Be thou the king of our 
lives, forever. Amen. _ 
he + oo i 

MON .. Apr. 6—The Temple of the Holy Spirit. 
Read Lk. 19:45-48. Read also Jn. 2:18-22. Text: Lk. 
19:46. Itiswritten, Andmy house shall be ahouseof prayer. 


_ Meditation—While it is true that we can each one 
_ decide for himself the way he will go in life, it is just 
as true that having decided on a course of action we 
must accept the results which mark the end of that 
course. There is moral authority in the world and 
_ the end of the journey is marked from the beginning. 
Jesus did not make the punishment of evil, he simply 
_ stated what that punishment is. Flis Father's house 
" was a house of prayer and men had made it an evil 
_ place. Hedid not temporize or seek to persuade but 
/ drove the evil doers from the temple that good men 
_ might come and worship. Thus we must cleanse 
our lives. We cannot keep evil thoughts and hcly 
-ambitions in the same heart. Let us cleanse the 

% temple of the Holy Spirit! 


, rayer—Almighty God our Father, create within us 
clean hearts. Drive out all unholy desires and 
_ passions. Make thou our souls fit companions of 

thy spirit. Let us feel dependence upon thy word. 
peey thy authority rule in our lives. In Christ's 


Amen. 
25 


9-18. Text: 20:17. The stone which the builders 
rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. 


Meditation—Each one is responsible for making 
fundamental choices. We cannot be both friendly 

| and selfish, envious and generous, we must be one or 
the other and each one must decide for himself. A. 
mere compromise amounts to nothing in life’s great 
adventure. So with Jesus Christ—we must be 
either for or against him. Shall we reject the Saviour 
or make him the pattern of our lives? 

*‘So I must make my choice. Shall I travel north or south. 


y 
bial a 

TUE., Apr. 7—Rejected by Men. Read Lk. 20: 
} 


Which of the two opposites shall I love. . God or the 
world's evil. Whichever love I choose will quench and drive out 
the other. And thus if I choose the love of God it will destroy — 
every worldly passion and the river of my affections will be like 
“the river of the water of life, clear as crystal’.” bh 
Prayer—O God our Father, we are sincerely thankful - 
for Jesus Christ. We would choose Him and make 
his life our daily pattern. Fill our hearts with a 
great love for Christ. Let us sense the eternal 
significance in our daily work and in our opportunities 
of service to thee and all mankind. Amen. ” 
*k se * 4 

WED., Apr. 8—Welcomed by His Friends. Read 
Jn. 12:111. Text: 12:1,2. Jesus therefore six days 
before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was 

. so they made him a supper there. 

(N. B.—No record of events of this day. It is supe 
posed that Jesus spent the day in the home of his 

friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus, at Bethany.) 


Meditation—It is easy to picture Jesus in the home at 
Bethany on this day of retirement. While there is 
nothing in the record to tell us how he spent the day 
we know that he had two sources of refreshment, 
prayer to God and quiet companionship with those 
who loved him. How he needed strength! To be 
able to give Christian hospitality to those who visit 
our homes is a high virtue. True hospitality does 
not consist in loaded tables or brilliant entertainment 
but in gracious sympathetic companionship which is 
possible to give to all who enter our homes however 


humble they may be. Let the crown of our homes 
be hospitality. a 


Prayer—Our Father, bless thou the homes of thy 
people. Give them true ideals of helpfulness. La 
all that dwell therein have a real sense of the responsi- 
bility that rests on each that the earthly home may 
reflect the blessedness of the eternal home. May our 
homes be such that the Spirit of Christ may find a 
true welcome and that he may often be our “7 









Amen. 
26 

































‘ 


THUR., Apr. 9—The Last Supper. Read Lk. 
227-23. Text:22:19. This do in remembrance of me. 


_Meditation—In this last meeting with his disciples 
Jesus oan to bind the hearts of his intimate friends 
_ to himself and to God forever. He had learned 
_ through the years the way to God and had been 
_ strengthened again and again by the Holy Spirit. 
_ Inthis hour he gave his disciples an opportunity to 
_ share his communion with the father. As we join in 
_ this sacrament in memory of him, his Spirit comes to 
_ our souls and we learn the true value of things. No 
one can partake of the communion in truth and re- 
_ tain a frivolous or flippant spirit. 
“Always when my soul has surrendered itself to the Divine will I 
‘am refreshed. The laying down of self is the taking up of God. 
When I lose my will I gain the Infinite. The moment of surrender 
_ is also the moment of conquest. When I consecrate my weakness 
‘I put on strength and majesty like a robe.” 
ayer—Eternal God, may the presence of thy Spirit 
__ in our lives give us strength to do thy will. May we 
_ have true communion with thee and come to know 
_ thee as our Father, infinite in love and tenderness. 
_ Let us be as fruitful gardens bringing forth all man- 
__ ner of good fruit in the Spirit. O abide with us, in 
_ Christ’sname. Amen. 


+ cy + 


Ne 

FRI., Apr. 10—The Cruficixion. Read Lk. 23:26-38. 
Text: 23:33. And when they came unto a place which 
ts called The skull, there they crucified him. 


The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross— 

_ And one of the malefactors said, Jesus, remember me. 

_ And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today 

_ shalt thou be with me in Paradise. 

' When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the dis- 

_ ciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his 
mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to 

_ the disciple, Behold thy mother! 

_ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried, My God, my 

God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

After this Jesus saith, / thirst. 

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he 

said, [tis finished. : 

And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, 

into thy hands [ commend my spirit. 

Prayer—Most merciful Father, we pray that we may 
be faithful companions of our Lord. Let us never be 

found among the mockers, but in lowly submission 

may we take our place at the foot of the Cross of 

Christ. ~Give us grace neither to forsake nor to deny 

ir Lord. May we find our life in Him. Amen. 


27 


SAT., Apr. 11—Victory through Defeat. Read 
Matt. 27:62-66. Text: 27:63. We remember that 
that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three 
days I rise again. 


Meditation—The mob thought they had won, but 
' right is never lost and goodness endures past all the 
power of evil. 

‘Is not this the meaning of the Crucifixion? That which seems 
to have conquered has been conquered, and that which seems to 
have been conquered has conquered. Evil has been trampled under 
foot, though it boasts itself to be master of the world. God has 
smitten evil, although good seems to have been trodden under 
foot by sin. Victory has come by defeat. Overcoming has been 
attained by undergoing.” { 


‘‘Tragedy runs through all history, but out of the tragedy comes 
the triumph. That is the law, ia crucis, via lucis, The way sa! 
the cross is the way of light.” 


Prayer—Our Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we 
may see the mountains of the Lord round about us, 
that we may point many doubting and weeping 
ute to the way of strength and life through Christ. 

men. 


Ma Yo oy 


EASTER DAY—The Resurrection. Read Lk. 24: 
1-12. Text: 24:5-6. Why seek ye the living one 
the dead? He is not here, but is risen. 


Meditation—lIn the resurrection of Jesus we have ue 
final seal of God's approving love. The life Jesus 
had lived, a life of utter and complete abandonment 
of self to the highest interests of others, this was the 
life of God's son on earth. This kind of a life God 
has promised shall continue after the incident of 
death, through far ages, blessing and helping in the 
spiritual kingdom of Our Lord. To this sort of life 
all men are called. He is not far from any one of us 
and when the veil is lifted we shall see him by our 
side. He is the King Eternal, the Victorious Saviour 
of the world and in Him all the nations of the world 
shall be blessed. M 


**What think ye of Christ Friend? When all's done and said 
Like you this Christianity or not. q 
It may be false, but will you wish it true? 4 
Has it your vote to be so if it can?” 4 


Prayer—Eternal God, we pray that we may be con- 
scious of thy presence with bn Let the fruits of thy 
spirit be evident in all that-we ap In the heat of the 
day may thy spirit be our refreshment, and in the 
long watches of the night may we be comforted by 
thy presence, through Christ. Amen. 


28 


























+ Favorite Prayers +x 


_ For Love in the Household 
a HEAVENLY FATHER, shed forth thy blessed 
a Spirit richly on all the members of this household. 
Make each of us an instrument in thy hands for good. 
_ Purify our hearts, strengthen our minds and bodies, fill 
us with mutual love. Let no pride, no self-conceit, no 
_ rivalry, no dispute, ever spring up among us. Make us 
_ earnest and true, wise and prudent, giving no just cause 
for offence; and may thy holy peace rest upon us this 
_ day and every day, sweetening our trials, cheering us in 
_ our work, and keeping us faithful to the end; through 
_ Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
} Church Guild. 


_ The Day Returns 
hy ers DAY returns and brings us the petty round of 
4 irritating concerns and duties. Help us to play the 
man! Helpusto perform them with laughter and kind 
_ faces. Let cheerfulness abound with industry. Give 
us to go blithely on our business all this day. Bring us 
1 - to our resting beds weary and content, and undishon- 
_ ored, and grant us in the end the gift of sleep. Amen. 


i Robert Louis Stevenson. 
_ Fora Warm Heart 
~ (\ ALMIGHTY GOD, from whom every good 


‘ae prayer cometh, and who pourest out on all who 
_ desire it the spirit of grace and supplication; deliver 
us, when we draw nigh to thee, from coldness of heart 
| and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts 
and kindled affections we may worship thee in spirit 
_ and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


P William Bright. 
Evening Prayer for Boys and Girls 
-TNEAR FATHER, I thank thee for all the beautiful 
i: things that thou hast made, and I am happy, too, 
when I think that God made me, and loves me, and 
takes care of me. I thank thee for the home where so 
much is done to make me happy and good. Forgive 
‘me all the wrong that I have done today, and help me to 
do better tomorrow, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 
Sena Ozora S. Davis. 


* [hese prayers are included in ‘‘A Book of Prayers” (see page 31). 
aie 
29 ‘ 


«+ Aids to Silent Devotion + 


Be still and know that I am God 


O GOD, help me, and make me thine. Give me thy 
Holy Spirit, that I may learn of Christ, and be 
thine, as Christ is thine. 


FATHER, teach me more and more to enter — 
into the spirit of thy holy child Jesus. Give me © 


grace to hear thy voice, and to do thy will, even as He 
did it. 


Nias me faithful, O my Father, in my place and | 
work. Teach me to forget and forsake myself — 


that I may find thee. 


QO GOD, so graft, I pray thee, the memory of | 
Christ's life and death upon my heart that, receiv- — 


ing his image in my soul, I may become more worthy to ~ 


be called his disciple and thy child. 


Pree into my heart, O God, the Spirit of Jesus, that 
being made one with him in obedience and sacrifice, 
I may become one with thee, even as he is one. 


Cr bless and keep me; rule my heart and quicken ! 
me in the Spirit of Christ, from this time forth and © 


evermore. Amen. 


APOE now thyself with God, and be at peace. © 


He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and © 


what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, 


and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 
Atos GOD, who givest us our quiet seasons — 


of thought and prayer, help us now and at all times 


to find in thee our true peace. Save us in the hour of © 
trial, deliver us from evil thoughts and desires, and from — 


the tyranny of outward things. May we learn of Christ 


to be strong and brave in the struggle with temptation, — 


and to overcome even as he overcame. Amen. 
ED tii nigh to us, now, as we draw nigh to thee, and 


peace of our souls. Though no man hath seen thee at 
any time, we have heard thy voice in our soul, and the 


vision of thy goodness hath been as a glory to our lives. — 


Amen. 


30 \ 


A 


in this quiet and sacred hour be thou the hope and © 







; 
if 




















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®Our Devotions 


1 


) Epson: clears the vision; quiets |} 
the nerves; defines duty; strengths 
ens purpose; sweetens the spirit and 
fortifies the soul. The unused forces 
of nature are great; the unused forces | 
of prayer are still greater. Prayer | 
relates the soul to the infinite re- 
sources of the Divine. 

Jesus knew the secret of strength. 
From prayer he went to face the 
great crisis; through prayer he gained 
the victory. Can man do better than 
follow his example? 

The home is the place of refresh- 
ment. He is wisest who makes tt 
most of all a place of spiritual re- 
newal in which the Bible is kept open 


that the soul may be bathed constant- || 


ly in its refreshing streams. 

Greatness of soul is found in the 
secret place where through quiet 
meditation the spirit touches God. 
Thus man practices the presence of 
God. 

“Wait on the Lord, be of good cour- 
age and He shall strengthen thy 
heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord.” 


Charles L. Goodell. 





